Monkey Retorts
Having read the recent article by Flora Bradwell regarding ‘the joys of alcohol and its place in university life’. I felt it necessary to clear up a few issues on behalf of Fact Monkey. The Social Norms campaign is not intended to jolt students into abstemious living, but to counteract the image of the borderline-alcoholic, hedonistic lifestyle so diligently portrayed via all forms of media. The message of the campaign is clear: the majority of students manage to drink without causing harm to themselves or to others.
The Student Life and Alcohol survey clearly showed however, that there is a huge difference between what students believe or the way they behave with regard to alcohol, and the perception of what constitutes ‘typical’ or ‘normal’ behaviour for students. The role of this campaign is not to change individual behaviours per se, but to create a more correct and clearer view of true norms. If the effect of this is to empower a studento speak up and stop a friend from engaging in a potentially dangerous feat thenthe campaign is a success.
Of course drinking alcohol is an incredibly social activity, but it is perfectly possible to enjoy alcohol, while staying safe, looking after friends and of course staying true to those academic or other responsibilities! Not only Fact Monkey knows that.
Oliver Smith
Director, The Social Norms Research Center
